Key Informant Survey Research Articles

Teaching the Visually Impaired: Methods in the Government School for Visually Impaired at Thiruvananthapuram

Teaching and understanding are unequivocally two sides of a same coin. Teaching methods have pivotal role in imparting knowledge to students. This is an empirical study which intends to understand the teaching methods practised in Govt.school for the Visually impaired in Thiruvananthapuram district. It investigates the nature of experience obtained by visually impaired students in the school by practising those teaching methods. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted. Key informant interview and survey method were employed in the study. It has been found that tactile teaching method, assistive technology-based method etc. are the prominent methods followed in the school.

Preparation of floral calendar of bee flora available in Lamjung district, Nepal

Between March and May 2022, researchers conducted a broad survey in the Lamjung district to ascertain the presence and accessibility of bee-friendly flora to compile a floral calendar. In the PMAMP Bee Zone, 62 respondents were chosen for the interview through a simple random sampling approach, from a pool of 382 registered beekeepers. Primary data collection involved using personal interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant surveys. Secondary data were gathered from publications related to the topic from various institutions. The collected data were then analyzed using IBM SPSS V.26 and Microsoft Excel. Nearly all farmers in the study area kept Apis cerana bees, but due to insufficient irrigation, the crop fields provided limited forage for the bees during certain periods. The lowest number of frames covers by bees was four during the dearth period. Farmers in the Lamjung district did not practice migratory foraging. The majority of the respondents reported an increase in productivity compared to the previous year. However, only 37.1 percent of them cultivated bee flora. The colony carrying capacity of the forage area was not estimated. Additionally, an increase in deforestation was identified as the major problem affecting bee foraging. To address these issues, it was recommended to plant and cultivate perennial trees such as butter trees (Vitellaria paradox), bottle brush (Callistemon speciosus), litchi (Litchi chinensis), sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), and sunflower (Helianthus annus) with assured irrigation. This approach could ensure year-round forage availability and reduce the need for artificial feeding. The research aimed to explore the current status of honey bee flora and investigate major flora that could be introduced in the study area.

Application of Sustainability Index of Tidal River Management (SITRM) in the Lower Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna Delta

The sustainability index (SI) is a relatively new concept for measuring the performance of water resource systems over long time periods. The purpose of its definition is to provide an indication of the integral behavior of the system with regard to possible undesired consequences if a misbalance in available and required waters occurs. Therefore, the tidal river management (TRM) approach has been implemented for the past three decades (from 1990 to 2020) within the polder system in Southwest Bangladesh to achieve water sustainability. TRM plan and watershed management plan (WMP) have commonalities as both are aimed at ensuring the sustainable use of watershed resources with the management of land, water, and the wider ecosystem of the watershed in an integrated way. The TRM plan focuses mostly on coastal regions, whereas the WMP focuses on both coastal and non-coastal regions. According to this, the aim of this study was to explore the application of the sustainability index of tidal river management (SITRM) in measuring the sustainability of tidal river management in the coastal area of the Lower Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) delta. In order to quantify the sustainability of tidal river management, this research first provided the components and indicators of SITRM for the coastal region. The study follows a 5-point Likert scale for opinion survey of key informants and comprises households’ survey of farmers. In addition, it includes Landsat satellite images from Earth Explorer of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and direct field observation to collect information regarding the indicators of SITRM. The study measures the index value of SITRM for identifying the water sustainability of Beel East Khukshia-TRM. The index value was 71.8 out of 100, showing good tidal river management for the Hari–Teka–Bhadra catchment. To achieve water sustainability and aid stakeholders and water managers in decision making, it may be possible to include the SITRM framework in tidal river management projects. In addition, the SITRM is more capable of facing drainage congestion, waterlogging, and climate change issues than watershed sustainability index (WSI), Canadian water sustainability index (CWSI), West Java water sustainability index (WJWSI), and water poverty index (WPI). Therefore, water professionals and policymakers can apply SITRM to assess the resilience of specific TRM schemes for greater sustainability in different coastal regions of the world.

Potentiality and Threats of Avocado Farming in Eastern Hills of Nepal

Innovative and profitable agriculture has become indispensable for the supply of food and nutrients to people as well income generation. Thus, this study deals with the feasibility of commercial avocado farming including the analysis of problems related to this especially in the case of eastern hilly areas of Nepal. This study applied household questionnaire survey, key informant survey, focus group discussions and field observation to collect relevant primary information. Previous research journals, dissertations, books and official records were used as the major sources of secondary data collection. This study covers the entire area of Ward No. 3 of Dhankuta Municipality. Around, 44 percent (223hhs) farm households were selected as a sample out of the total 506 households of this area based on Yamane's sample determination formula (1967).This study proves that the agriculture system can be made profitable and useful through carefully using of new high valued crops. It reveals that avocado is a new commercial crop with maximum potential in the hilly areas of eastern including both challenges and opportunities. Moreover, this study also confirms that the avocado farming is not only a profitable business but also a risky and challenging. The farmers are facing various socio-economic challenges while doing this cultivation. Thus, the conclusion of the study is that the new agricultural activities are not free from challenges so that farmers must be faced patently to achieve success. This conclusion conveys the message that the success achieved only by facing barriers is sustainable.

A survey of biosecurity practices of pig farmers in selected districts affected by African swine fever in Uganda.

In Uganda, pig production is an important source of livelihood for many people and contributes to food security. African swine fever (ASF) is a major constraint to pig production in Uganda, threatening the food supply and sustainable livelihoods. Prevention of ASF primarily relies on good biosecurity practices along the pig value chain. Previous studies showed that biosecurity along the pig value chain and on farms in Uganda is poor. However, the biosecurity practices of pig farmers in ASF affected areas of Uganda and their opinions on on-farm ASF morbidity and mortality were previously not comprehensively characterized. The objectives of this study were to document pig farmers' experiences with ASF in their farms and to describe the pig biosecurity practices in districts of Uganda that were highly affected by ASF. A total of 99 farmers were interviewed in five districts. Data were collected by way of triangulation through farmer interviews, field observations during the farmer interviews, and a survey of key informants. However, farmer interviews were considered the primary source of data for this study. Farmers' biosecurity practices were scored using a biosecurity scoring algorithm. Forty-one out of 96 (42.7%) farmers reported having pigs with ASF in the past 12 months. The level of pig farming experience (p = 0.0083) and herd size (p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with the reported occurrence of ASF. Overall, the biosecurity scores for the respondents were considered poor with 99% (98/99) scoring <70% and just one farmer obtaining a fair score of 72.2%. District (p = 0.0481), type of husbandry system (p = 0.014), and type of pig breed raised (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with farmer's biosecurity score. Continued farmer education on ASF and the importance of good biosecurity practices is necessary. More in-depth scientific inquiry into the factors influencing the biosecurity practices among pig farmers in Uganda is necessary.

Maximizing business performance through entrepreneurial orientation: a multilevel analysis

Purpose This study aims to analyze the effect of organizational context on Entrepreneurial Orientation–Business Performance (EO–BP) relationship by drawing a sample from India. Design/methodology/approach This firm-level study uses a cross-sectional research design. A personal survey of key informants, one each from 500 North Indian firms, has been conducted. The hypotheses were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling and multi-group moderation analysis. Findings This study reveals the relevance of organizational context in strategic decision-making. This study finds that the firm’s size and nature of industry influence the inclination of an enterprise toward innovativeness and proactiveness. The results indicate that both, new entrants and older firms, can adopt entrepreneurial posture. Originality/value This study attempts to provide a unique perspective of entrepreneurship research by assessing the effect of organizational context on the EO–BP relationship in the Indian context. This study applies five-dimensional conceptualization of EO to EO–BP relationship and attempts to contribute to the literature by refining the inventory of five-dimensional conceptualization of EO construct. The CFA model of multifaceted subjective measurement of BP construct lends support to the integrated approach of BP measurement.

Etat des systèmes de suivi et d’évaluation en Afrique francophone : une approximation au moyen d’un diagnostic rapide

The state of monitoring and evaluation systems in Francophone Africa: An approximation through rapid diagnosisBackground: Francophone African countries are facing strong internal and external pressures to promote monitoring and evaluation systems (ME). Unfortunately, the state of development of ME functions in these countries are poorly known.Objectives: This study aims to assess the status of selected components of ME systems in Francophone Africa from an action-research perspective.Method: This study uses two different methods: a literature review and an online survey of key informants in 23 Francophone African countries.Results: The results highlight the current context of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including the regulatory frameworks, policies and guides on ME as well as the formal structures responsible for ME in surveyed countries. Furthermore, results indicate a weakness in ME capacity building frameworks.Conclusion: Poor knowledge of the state of ME in Francophone African countries is an impediment to the process of institutionalising ME and evidence-based decision making.Contribution: By highlighting the state of ME institutionalisation, the results of this research will provide guidance to the various stakeholders on the measures to be put in place to effectively support Francophone African countries in their process of institutionalising ME of public policies.

ORGANIC FARMING METHODS USED IN THE PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC VEGETABLE

Organic farming is a method of crop production through the natural process instead of using chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers. This study was conducted to identify the organic farming method used in producing organic vegetables in terms of the following: soil cultivation, animal husbandry, natural pesticides, biofertilizers, composting, crop rotation, cover crops, diversified crops, mulching, and seed treatments. Key Informant Interviews and surveys were used in data gathering, and descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. Results revealed that regardless of the farm size (small, medium, large), organic vegetable growers have practiced soil cultivation techniques such as ploughing, digging, furrowing, and hoeing. Other organic vegetable production practices, for instance, homemade organic pesticides, vermicomposting, crop rotation (legume/leafy), cover crops (grass), and mulching (dry leaves, plastic mulch) are commonly practiced among the three farm types. Moreover, only a few farms have practiced animal husbandry and biofertilizer application, while seed pelleting for seed treatment was obviously practiced by large farm types. Majority of the farms have diversified crops like lettuce, cabbage, eggplant, tomato, cauliflower, bitter gourd, cucumber, and herbs. It is noteworthy that success in organic vegetable production is greatly dependent on the timely implementation of effective cultural/production practices which enable growers to minimize, or totally avoid risks, thus to improve crop yield, farmers should focus on optimizing production/cultural practices.

The live pig supply chain as reported by farmers in selected districts affected by African swine fever in Uganda, June and July 2022.

Uganda is a pork-producing country in East Africa. The African swine fever virus (ASFV) has had a devastating impact on the country's pig industry. The movements of pigs and pork are a major pathway of spreading ASFV. This study was done to describe the live pig supply chain within and through districts that are impacted by African swine fever (ASF) in Uganda. A pig farmer survey in districts known to have ASFV was done using a semi-structured questionnaire available in English and two local languages. In total, 99 farmers were interviewed across five districts. Farmers were conveniently and purposively selected by local government veterinary officials. An online key informant survey was also used to validate farmer responses. Most farmers interviewed in all districts reported to source and sell most of their pigs from within their district the farm was in, although there was variation by district and pig type. In relation to pig type, 89.7% of farmers sourced sows, 80.0% sourced boars, and 96.4% sourced weaned pigs from the district where the farm was located. As for sales, 91.3% of farmers sold sows, 92.7% sold boars, 91.9% sold weaned pigs, and 92.2% sold market pigs in the district where the farm was located. There was also variation to whom pigs were sold and sourced by pig type. This information is useful when planning the scale and focus of disease control programs based on animal movement. This study revealed that pig disease control programs can be targeted to smaller regions. Furthermore, there is a need for farmers and pig traders to be educated on and adhere to veterinary regulations of animal movement and good biosecurity practices to reduce disease spread when purchasing and selling pigs from known ASFV infected areas.

The role of RFID to improve supply chain sustainability: A systematic literature review and key informant survey

This paper presents a systematic literature review on the application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for sustainability purposes in various supply chains while primarily focusing on the pharmaceutical supply chain. The review takes into consideration sustainability from an economic, environmental, and social perspective and investigates the various aspects of such a system from both the manufacturer and consumer points of view. The paper highlighted the importance, process, and effects of implementing RFID technology in the pharmaceutical supply chain to create a more sustainable and traceable system. The lack of strong scientific studies in the field of sustainability impacts of RFID-enabled pharmaceutical supply chain was identified. In addition to the literature review, this paper also takes into account results from an original survey conducted with current industry professionals and their views on sustainability in the pharmaceutical chain. The review’s findings can help frame future work and fill the gaps in the literature focusing on the sustainability impact of RFID technology in the pharmaceutical and healthcare supply chain.

The Drivers of Changes in the State of Agrobiodiversity

The diversity of agricultural genetic resources is decreasing over the years and sites across the world. With the objectives of determining the drivers and their impact on agrobiodiversity particularly in Nepal, different methods e.g., focus group discussion, transact walk, key informant survey, and literature survey were used. Among the 16 broad categories of drivers, the most 5 important drivers in terms of negative impact on agrobiodiversity were the: 1) advancements and innovations in science and technology, 2) changes in land and water use and management, 3) alternative business and information flow, 4) population growth and urbanization, and 5) markets and trade. The most important specific driver is exotic varieties and breeds among 90 specific drivers. The earthquake of 2015 was a major disaster having damaged much local agricultural diversity in more than 14 districts of Nepal. Expansion of area for agricultural production, the establishment of a new settlement and various types of developmental activities have caused a loss of many wild relatives of agricultural species and wild edible species. Threat to crop diversity is high in rice, banana, cucumber, and tomato due to replacement of old cultivars by modern varieties. Threat to rice bean, horse bean, and foxtail millet is due to low priority given by growers and consumers. Invasive alien species like Parthenium, Eupatorium spp. and Lantana camara have had a significant effect on diversity and ecosystem services. The least affected agrobiodiversity components are microbial genetic resources. The important drivers e.g., exotic genotypes, external inputs, monogenotype-based monoculture policy and climate changes, should be given due attention to control and manage for better management of agrobiodiversity.

Data to Action: Community-Based Participatory Research to Address Concerns about Metal Air Pollution in Overburdened Neighborhoods near Metal Recycling Facilities in Houston.

Exposures to environmental contaminants can be influenced by social determinants of health. As a result, persons living in socially disadvantaged communities may experience disproportionate health risks from environmental exposures. Mixed methods research can be used to understand community-level and individual-level exposures to chemical and nonchemical stressors contributing to environmental health disparities. Furthermore, community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches can lead to more effective interventions. We applied mixed methods to identify environmental health perceptions and needs among metal recyclers and residents living in disadvantaged neighborhoods near metal recycling facilities in Houston, Texas, in a CBPR study, Metal Air Pollution Partnership Solutions (MAPPS). Informed by what we learned and our previous findings from cancer and noncancer risk assessments of metal air pollution in these neighborhoods, we developed an action plan to lower metal aerosol emissions from metal recycling facilities and enhance community capacity to address environmental health risks. Key informant interviews, focus groups, and community surveys were used to identify environmental health concerns of residents. A diverse group from academia, an environmental justice advocacy group, the community, the metal recycling industry, and the local health department collaborated and translated these findings, along with results from our prior risk assessments, to inform a multifaceted public health action plan. An evidence-based approach was used to develop and implement neighborhood-specific action plans. Plans included a voluntary framework of technical and administrative controls to reduce metal emissions in the metal recycling facilities, direct lines of communication among residents, metal recyclers, and local health department officials, and environmental health leadership training. Using a CBPR approach, health risk assessment findings based on outdoor air monitoring campaigns and community survey results informed a multipronged environmental health action plan to mitigate health risks associated with metal air pollution. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11405.

Capacity for One Health research in the Horn of Africa

IntroductionIn low-and-middle-income countries, many people live near livestock. Rural livelihoods need improvement, however livestock-sector growth is a ‘wicked’ problem, needing careful management and One Health approaches which balance positive aspects of livestock ownership against deleterious impacts. Materials and methodsA Key Informant survey was delivered to higher education and research institute Units in Horn of Africa, to quantify baseline estimates for One Health research, understand characteristics, and risk factors for usage. Principal resultsFour-fifths of Units acknowledged some One Health research; however, this was biased towards human-focused dimensions including at the human/animal/environment-interface and human/animal-interface; One Health approaches were also more often reported when all or the animal/environment dimensions were examined. We detected subject-bias impacting environment-focus in research; only research-focused Units had staff with higher environmental science degrees. Our work suggested good national research buy-in, and Units engaging with national policy-makers most often; local policy-makers were least engaged. Four-fifths of Units had laboratories, with two-thirds processing either human or animal samples and half processing both. Funding for equipment purchase, supplies and maintenance, staff training on technical/safety issues was nearly half that previously identified. Major conclusionsThe necessity for One Health research approaches is acknowledged, however our results suggest persistent and systemic neglect of the environment in approaches and research staff education, and a lack of integration across government hierarchies during policy-development, potentially driven by international organisation domination. Further, Units lack funding for laboratory equipment purchase/supplies/maintenance, and staff training on technical/safety issues.

Palliative care and quality of life needs and outcomes for Māori with cancer: what do we know?

There are access, treatment and morbidity inequities for Māori (Indigenous people of New Zealand) with cancer in Aotearoa (New Zealand). This includes inequities in quality of life and experiences of the palliative care setting for Māori. This review included 20 papers that were identified through a combination of our literature review and key informant surveys. In this review, we consider the context of palliative care and cancer quality of care for Māori, draw on evidence regarding access and challenges for Māori with cancer in the palliative setting and discuss how to achieve palliative care equity for Māori with cancer. In Aotearoa, palliative care has fundamental underpinnings based on westernised understandings of health with a focus on addressing physical health aspects. Our findings highlight the misalignment of this approach with regard to Māori with cancer in the palliative care setting and to being able to fulfil their right to good health.

Practice and Development of Agricultural Seed Management Technology in the Hilly Areas of Eastern Nepal

The use of new technologies in agricultural sector is the contemporary global concern issue. This study attempts to explore about the practice and development of seed management technology in the eastern hilly areas of Nepal including the analysis of major reasons and accociated problems. Moreover, it also seeks the perception of farmers towards this technology. In addition, the study applied household questionnaire survey, key informant survey and focus group discussion with local farmers in to collect relevant information. The household survey conducted in 20 percent (190hss) in total (601hhs) of the study area ranging from 250 to 1500 masl along the Koshi-highway.The relevant published and unpublished documents: previous research journals, books, dissertations and official records were also reviewed as secondary sources of information for this paper.&#x0D; This paper has showed that the technology is well known for the protection and promotion of both crops and vegetables farming in the study area. More than 78 percent (150hhs) farmers are using this as a useful and profitable technique. Despite various problems, the practice of this technology is gradually increasing in this area and the maximum practice is concentrated with vegetable farming. Although it was introduced through the inspiration of local research centers at first time, the role of neighbours, friends and television programs seems to be significant respectively in its development and expansion in the study area. This technology is the choice of the farmers and the majority of the farmers are in fovor of the development and expansion of the technology.

Resource-use efficiency and environmental sustainability in the village tank cascade systems in the dry zone of Sri Lanka: An assessment using a bio-economic model

IntroductionVillage tank cascade systems (VTCSs) were built in ancient Sri Lanka as autonomous and climate-resilient agro-ecological systems. This study examines crop choices, farming profitability, and environmental sustainability under alternative rainfall regimes and market interventions in the Mahakanumulla VTCS of the Anuradhapura district.MethodA bio-economic model was developed to represent farming activities in the VTCS for the 2018-19 Maha and 2019 Yala cultivation seasons with data gathered from secondary sources and a key informant survey. The objective function of the model was the maximization of profits from farming. Resource limits were set for four types of land (highlands and lowlands in the Maha and Yala seasons), two types of labor (hired and family), and twelve-monthly water constraints. Six different models were developed for the six sub-divisions of the VTCS, considering the water-management hierarchy of the system. The models were simulated under alternative rainfall regimes and market interventions. The optimal crop mixes, farm profits, and shadow prices of resources associated with the baseline scenarios were compared with those of the counterfactual scenarios.Results and discussionThis analysis clearly illustrated that water and labor are the key determinants of the system. Also, when 922 ha of lowlands and 205 ha of uplands were allocated per annum for crop cultivation under normal environmental conditions, the annual profitability of the VTCS was LKR 111 million. During drought periods, a sharp reduction in profits was observed in the Maha season. Year-round drought caused a 77% profit reduction compared to the baseline. The Maha drought alone caused a reduction of 47%. The introduction of a buy-back arrangement for chili and maize helped farmers to increase profits by 185 and 28%, respectively, under normal climate scenarios, turning to 954 and 5% during extreme drought scenarios, compared to the baseline. The least nitrate leaching and soil losses occurred in green chili cultivation. The introduction of market-based solutions is recommended to address extreme climate events experienced by the rural communities dependent on the VTCSs in Sri Lanka.

IDF2022-0424 Results of the World Health Organization’s first key informant survey on diabetes communication and narratives

IDF2022-0424 Results of the World Health Organization’s first key informant survey on diabetes communication and narratives

Prospects and Barriers of Commercial Tomato Farming in Hilly Areas of Eastern Nepal

Commercialization of agriculture has become indispensible for the supply of food and nutrients to people and income generation. Thus, this study deals with the feasibility of commercial tomato farming including the analytical study of problems related to this agricultural system in the study area. This study applied household questionnaire survey, key informant survey, focus group discussions and field observation to collect relevant primary information. Secondary data were collected from previous research journals, dissertations and official records. This study covers the entire area of Ward No. 9 of Dhankuta Municipality. The study based on around, 30 percent (280hhs) farm households of the study area. This study reveals that the commercial tomato farming in the hilly areas of eastern Nepal seems to be full of both challenges and opportunities. The commercial success of this agricultural system seems to have made this system widespread in the eastern hills of Nepal. Apart from this, it also helps to develop the habit of choosing appropriate agricultural technology among the local farmers. Thus, this farming system seems to be a more popular business at present context in this area. Moreover, this study also confirms that the commercial tomato farming is not only a profitable business but also a risky and challenging. The farmers are facing various socio-economic challenges while doing this cultivation. Therefore, this study proves that any human activity is not free from barriers or challenges, so such challenges must be faced in an intelligent way. This conclusion also conveys the message that the success achieved by facing such barriers is sustainable and fruitful.

Assessing capacities and resilience of health services during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons learned from use of rapid key informant surveys.

'Health Systems Recovery in the Context of COVID-19 and Protracted Conflict.' Many countries lacked rapid and nimble data systems to track health service capacities to respond to COVID-19. They struggled to assess and monitor rapidly evolving service disruptions, health workforce capacities, health products availability, community needs and perspectives, and mitigation responses to maintain essential health services. Building on established methodologies, the World Health Organization developed a suite of methods and tools to support countries to rapidly fill data gaps and guide decision-making during COVID-19. The tools included: (1) a national "pulse" survey on service disruptions and bottlenecks; (2) a phone-based facility survey on frontline service capacities; and (3) a phone-based community survey on demand-side challenges and health needs. Three national pulse surveys revealed persisting service disruptions throughout 2020-2021 (97 countries responded to all three rounds). Results guided mitigation strategies and operational plans at country level, and informed investments and delivery of essential supplies at global level. Facility and community surveys in 22 countries found similar disruptions and limited frontline service capacities at a more granular level. Findings informed key actions to improve service delivery and responsiveness from local to national levels. The rapid key informant surveys provided a low-resource way to collect action-oriented health services data to inform response and recovery from local to global levels. The approach fostered country ownership, stronger data capacities, and integration into operational planning. The surveys are being evaluated to inform integration into country data systems to bolster routine health services monitoring and serve as health services alert functions for the future.

Demographic Evaluation of Pili Farmers and Their Production Capacity in Bicol Region, Philippines

Philippines is known for the vast plantation and seat of one of the most valued crops, the Pili nut. A study was conducted to determine the demographics of 192 Pili farmers and their production capacity from selected provinces of Bicol region, Philippines. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents with structured interview, focused group discussion and key informant survey conducted to gather data. Results of the study showed that demographic parameters such as gender, age, educational attainment, income and family structure are important and necessary information in order to understand the production capacity of Pili farmers. Pili production is generally profitable with high financial return of 127% to farmers. Farm areas in the region are sufficient where farmers can grow Pili to satisfy the local and global demand for this high-value crop. The financial stability and income of Pili key players can be increased given the proper attention and investment in production processes. The valuable support and assistance of the government especially local government units is crucial to ensure the optimistic future for the Pili industry. Likewise, it is imperative to address all the critical needs of farmers not only in the production process but in the various links along the supply chain as well in order to raise the overall sector revenue and household income of Pili farmers. In doing so, the country is assured of a more dynamic, sustainable and competitive Pili industry.